Imaging system for firearm

Abstract

Embodiments of a firearm device ( 15 ) and system employ enhanced optics that can be fixed to a firearm ( 20 ), wherein each optical unit is optimized for varying distances from the firearm. An image processor interleaves video streams from each optical unit to present the operator with a unified field of view. Object recognition functions executed by a processor integrated with the device can evaluate the individual video streams, applying object recognition applications to recognize and identify threats/targets within the effective range of each optical unit/image sensor, enabling, among other things, real-time, rapid target identification across multiple distances and prioritization.

1 . Method for analyzing a firearm shot, comprising the steps of:
 i. providing a firearm comprising a camera-based imaging device and a computer processor;   n. recording images in the direction of the point of aim of the firearm;   iii. recognizing one or more targets via the imaging device;   iv. analyzing the correspondence between the recognized target and the point of aim at the time of a shot.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the camera-based imaging device comprises at least two optical sensors having lenses of different focal length for acquiring images in the direction of the point of aim having different field of view, the method further comprising the step of interleaving video streams originating from the at least two optical sensors. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , comprising the step of recording the movement of the point of aim relative to the target prior and after the detection of a shot. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , comprising the step of communicating real-time data to a head-up display, said real-time data comprising at least one of data selected from the group consisting of: point of aim, recognized target, target speed, target orientation, target scale factor, target range estimation, appropriate lead taking into account target speed, and lethality of the current point of aim. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of collecting additional data on every detected shot, said data being related to an operator of the firearm, one or more of said data being selected from the group consisting location and movement of the firearm, speed of magazine changes, orientation, meteorological data, target type, speed/direction of target, type of weapon, type of round, shot trace, hit/miss, score, intended target, and lethality calculation. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , comprising the step of quantifying relative movement of the target in relation to the point of aim of the firearm and calculating the appropriate lead within the point of aim to support accurate moving target engagement. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , comprising the step of detecting the occurrence of a shot, and determining the point of impact on the recognized target, by calculation of the ballistic and/or by determining the point of impact of a bullet. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , further comprising the step of aligning the optical sensor axis with the bore axis by using a comparison between the calculated point of impact with the point of impact of the bullet. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , comprising the step of communicating the recorded images to at least one remote device, said remote device being used to communicate performance of a user of the firearm. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of acquiring a target is based on the recognition of predetermined shapes in training conditions. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of acquiring a target is based on a human body pose determination algorithm. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1 , said method being used in a training environment. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising the step of switching the camera-based imaging device and the computer processor upon detection of predetermined action of a user of the firearm, such as getting a handgun out of a holster or removing a safety feature. 
     
     
         14 . A firearm shot analysis system comprising:
 a) a camera-based imaging device comprising fastening means to a firearm;   b) a computer processor, power supply and memory for recording the images acquired by the camera-based imaging device; and   c) a computer-readable memory and program instructions encoded by the computer-readable memory for causing the processor, when executed, to perform the method according to any of the previous claims except step i.   
     
     
         15 . The firearm shot analysis system according to  claim 14 , wherein the imaging device comprises multiple optical units/sensors. 
     
     
         16 . The firearm shot analysis system according to  claim 14 , comprising wireless communication means. 
     
     
         17 . The firearm shot analysis system according to  claim 14 , comprising an inertial measurement unit that collects the weapons movement, shot break detection and analysis. 
     
     
         18 . The firearm shot analysis system according to  claim 14 , comprising localization means such as GPS. 
     
     
         19 . The firearm shot analysis system according to  claim 14 , characterized in that the fastening means are compatible with a Picatinny rail. 
     
     
         20 . The firearm shot analysis system according to  claim 15 , wherein the image sensors, the computer processor and the memory are located on a single folded rigid flex printed circuit board forming a cavity enclosing active elements. 
     
     
         21 . A firearm comprising the system according to  claim 14 . 
     
     
         22 . A firearm according to  claim 21 , wherein the firearm is a handgun fitting in a standard handgun holster. 
     
     
         23 . A firearm according to  claim 22 , wherein the firearm is an automatic rifle.